Key Dates And Deadlines
As an online university that lets you learn on your own schedule, it’s our priority to make sure your education fits into your life rather than the other way around. That’s why Athabasca University approaches scheduling differently than traditional schools.
We’ve designed our admission policies and course structure with your need for flexibility in mind. Which means, even though we do have many universal events and milestones, very few deadlines apply to all of our students. Therefore, your key dates will likely be different from those of your classmates.
All important dates and deadlines for your online studies at a glance
Application deadlines
Undergraduate students
Apply anytime – no deadline!
You can apply to AU anytime without a deadline. All undergraduate programs enroll students year round. Just keep in mind that after your program application gets approved you will still need to register for courses to get started.
Learn more about undergraduate applications
Undergraduate course registration
Next Deadline: Register by June 10th to start on July 1st
Courses start on the first of each month. However, you must register and pay by the 10th of the previous month to begin on the first.
Learn how to register for courses
Graduate course registration
Varies by program.
Many graduate programs are cohort-based and use online grouped study . These courses have defined start and end dates and a registration deadline. See your program website for specific information.
Some graduate programs also offer individualized study courses – Register by June 10th to start on July 1stFind your graduate program
Withdraw with refund
Up to, or 30 days after course start date.
To process a refund will require approximately 45 days from receipt of request.
Generally, you will be eligible for a tuition refund, minus a processing fee, if you withdraw before a course starts, or within the first 30 days of the course.
View course withdrawal procedures
Course extension
Apply at least 30 days before course end date
You have 6 months to complete 3- or 4-credit individualized study courses. You have the option to purchase extensions if you need more time to finish.
Learn more about extensions and course procedures
Other key dates
Transfer credit assessment
You may register in courses while waiting for the results of your transfer credit evaluation:
Graduate program offer letter
Varies by program
Courses start
Monthly, on the 1st of each month
Receive tutor information
1-2 weeks before course start
For more information, check myAU.
Access course materials
On or before start date.
For eText courses, check myAU.
Hardcopy textbooks will arrive before your course start date, and e-texts can be accessed through myAU. You won’t be able to submit assignments or quizzes, or post to the forums until your actual start date.
Maintain active student status
Register for at least one course every 12 months.
AU’s unique structure lets you take courses as close together or as spread out as you need them to be. As long as you take at least 1 course within 12 months of the end of your last course (or within 12 months of admission), you remain an active AU student.
If you need a longer break from your studies, you will become an “inactive” student.